We live in an era of immense hope for the future of cancer research and the quest for new and promising treatments. The identification of new genetic mutations as viable markers for therapeutic development is driving researchers and clinicians to focus on specific pathways for targeted therapies.

Just as children are not miniature adults, pediatric cancers aren't small adult cancers. The distinct biology of pediatric brain cancer means it often needs different treatment and can also give us insights into the origins and cures to all cancers

I admit it. I am a huge fan of the animated show Family Guy. The Griffin family has provided me with much distraction at some of the most stressful points of my daughter Alexis' cancer journey and beyond.

There is a message of hope in each and every child and family who hears some of the worst words in the English language, "your child has cancer." There is honor in making everyone aware of these heroes.